A Framework for Balancing Efficiency and Effectiveness in Innovative Product Design

Improved design innovation through the use of new product development activities, methods, and tools has been an area of fertile research for the past several decades for both academics and practitioners. High-level management process study has given way to the development of detailed, quantitative tools and techniques whose mission is to enhance the process of innovation. This research seeks to understand the link between academic research and industry best practice. In this article, we report on the results of an empirical study of best practice design and innovation firms. State-of-the-art practitioners are balancing development efficiency and effectiveness by eschewing onerous methods and quantitative tools by adopting and adapting flexible processes and activities during product design. Resource draining methods and quantitative tools see limited use and are implemented only when necessary. A framework illustrating the need to keep design innovation on a critical path by balancing the efficient and effective use of activities, methods, and tools is presented. The paper concludes with directions for further academic research.